Sirach 28:10–18
10As is the fuel of the fire, so it will burn; and as the stoutness of the strife is, so it will burn. As is the strength of the man, so will be his wrath; and as is his wealth, so he will exalt his anger.↗
11A contention begun in haste kindles a fire; and hasty fighting sheds blood.↗
12If you blow on a spark, it will burn; and if you spit upon it, it will be quenched. Both of these come out of your mouth.↗
13Curse the whisperer and double-tongued, for he has destroyed many who were at peace.↗
14A slanderer has shaken many, and dispersed them from nation to nation. It has pulled down strong cities and overthrown the houses of great men.↗
15A slanderer has cast out brave women and deprived them of their labors.↗
16He who listens to it will not find rest, nor will he live quietly.↗
17The stroke of a whip makes a mark in the flesh, but the stroke of a tongue will break bones.↗
18Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, yet not so many as those who have fallen because of the tongue.↗
Source: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain. Text is taken directly from the source. Headings are editorial, not biblical verses.
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